Responding to the Hate Crime at IC Compassion in Iowa City

Recently the Nazarene Church in Iowa City was vandalized as swastikas, racist language, and Bible verses were painted on the building. We don’t know why, but very likely it’s because the same building is home to IC Compassion, the local non-profit that serves immigrants and refugees.  

This hate crime is part of the centuries-long history of white supremacy in our country.  Sadly, the data suggests that such hate crimes are on the rise.  These crimes threaten anyone who is not seen as white, and they can also include members of the LGBTQ community.

We want to take this opportunity to voice our support for IC Compassion, for the immigrants and refugees in our community, and for all our neighbors. At Sanctuary, we’re seeking to foster a community where love for God and love for ALL our neighbors is the highest priority. And we’ll do everything we can to resist acts of hate.

Right now, Sanctuary’s Hands On Faith ministry assists IC Compassion regularly, and we will continue to do so. Once a month we help with their Community Meal, which involves bringing dinner to serve 40-60 people, many of them refugees or immigrants. IC Compassion offers the meal as a way of gathering people together simple to connect, and then they provide language lessons and citizenship classes after the meal.  

We also brought a gift and sign as a show of support, letting everyone know that Sanctuary stands with them.  

Please join Sanctuary in a renewed commitment to helping create community and sanctuary everywhere, for all people.